What's Wrong With Being Basic? (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA'S Favorite Recipes)

My grandmother's birthday was the other day. She's now blessed to be in her early-mid 90s. Her physical movements are limited, but mentally she's pretty spry. I planned to make baked chicken and dressing for her, but she requested gumbo. So, we had gumbo.

Growing up my grandmother did 70% of the cooking growing up. We ate a lot of Baked Chicken.

If you know my cooking origin story, my first dish I made was Baked Chicken. My grandmother taught me how to make it. And I have to say that lesson is one that has saved me time after time. It's lower in fat & calories than fried chicken. And there is nothing like puting it in the oven and getting other things done.

Basic Baked Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, (I use a salt free version, but most use salted)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 1/2 - 3 pounds bone-in chicken parts, washed & trimmed of fat excess

With a Wax Bean & Carrots Medley

Directions:

1. Pour water into a shallow baking dish
2. Season water with 1/4 of each season
3. In a small bowl combine oil & remaining seasonings
4. In a bowl drizzle & rub the oil mixture onto the chicken parts, until fully covered
5. Arrange chicken parts, skin side up in the baking dish.
6. Cover baking dish with foil.
7. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to an hour, 
8. Remove foil and let chicken cook for 20 - 30 more minutes or until the skin is crisp and brown and the meat is ready to fall off the bones.

Sometimes life doesn't allow for or need elaborate dishes. Sometimes we need to rely on a good ol' basic. Pop Culture says "Basic is Boring", these days. I say, I'll rather be basic sometimes, than trying figure out what I am eating all the time. Chicken is Chicken!!! And what do you think gravy or condiments are for?

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms